In a significant ceremony held at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo fulfilled a pledge made during his campaign by swearing in three judges who were overlooked by the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki. The move rectifies an issue pertaining to the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation from June 2023, which had cleared eight judges for the Edo State High Court. While five judges were welcomed into office last year, the remaining three—Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—were not sworn in, prompting Okpebholo to address what he termed a wrong.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to restoring fairness in judicial appointments in line with his inaugural address. He noted that the prior governor had unjustly excluded three qualified judges from the oath-taking ceremony despite their eligibility as determined by the NJC. This oversight had lingered longer than it should have, with Okpebholo keen on terminating the discrimination faced by these judges who had been cleared for their positions but marginalized by the previous administration. His decision to include them illustrates a broader commitment to justice and transparency in governance.
The governor took the opportunity to reaffirm his stance against discrimination, asserting that personal biases, favoritism, or political affiliations should not dictate the careers of public servants, especially in the judiciary. He expressed his belief that every judge plays a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens. As part of his vision for the judiciary, Okpebholo encouraged the new judges to uphold a high standard of conduct, promote fairness in dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure that offenders are held accountable, thereby reinforcing the judiciary’s essential function in society.
In his remarks, Okpebholo recognized the significance of the judiciary within the framework of separation of powers, acknowledging their integral function in upholding democracy. By swearing in the judges, he aimed to not only enhance the judicial capacity of the state but also strengthen public trust in the legal system. He reiterated that citizens deserve a judiciary that is free from biases that may arise from personal or political relationships, signaling a departure from his predecessor’s approach. The governor’s action reflects a commitment to nurturing an impartial judicial environment, essential for democracy to flourish within the state.
Upon taking the oath, Judge Ojo, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve, recognizing the swearing-in as a vital step toward executing their judicial responsibilities. Her acknowledgment of the governor’s efforts to rectify the previous administration’s oversight highlights the importance of support from leadership in enabling judges to perform effectively. The unity and integrity of the judiciary enhance the state’s governance, making it crucial for such initiatives to be recognized and appreciated by those who benefit from them, including the general populace.
Overall, the swearing-in of Justices Osa, Jeff, and Eboigbe presents a pivotal moment in Edo State’s judicial history. It symbolizes not only the fulfillment of a promise but also lays the groundwork for a judicial system that embodies fairness, transparency, and accountability. Under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, there is a renewed commitment to ensuring that all judicial appointees are treated with fairness, fostering an environment where justice prevails and the rule of law is upheld. This moment marks a new chapter for the judiciary of Edo State, promising improved functionality and a more equitable legal system for its citizens.
